Refrigerator

ABSTRACT

Provided is an auxiliary member on a refrigerator shelf to receive bottle-type containers, which allows free space defined between the shelf and another shelf to be used as a container storage space through a user&#39;s selective manipulation of a container storage portion. The container storage portion can be adjusted in width through manipulation by a user, and through adjusting its width, a storage space is defined between the shelf and the container storage portion.

THE BACKGROUND

1. The Field

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a refrigerator is a household appliance for storing food at low temperatures over extended periods.

Specifically, depending on the locations of their refrigeration compartments and freezer compartments, refrigerators can be categorized into top mount refrigerators having the freezer compartment provided at the top, bottom freezer refrigerators having the freezer compartment provided at the bottom, and side by side refrigerators having the refrigeration compartment and freezer compartment arranged to the left and right of each other.

Also, a plurality of shelves on which food is placed, and box-shaped drawers open at the top for storing vegetables or fruit may be provided inside a refrigerator. In addition, an ice maker may be installed in the freezer compartment or refrigeration compartment, or on the rear of a door. Further, depending on the product, a dispenser for dispensing water or ice may be provided on the front of a refrigerator door, and a home bar structure may be provided on a refrigerator door to allow storage and removal of beverages or containers filled with water without opening the refrigerator door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing an inner structure of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a container storage portion in a state capable of storing a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a shelf with a lever structure for a container storage portion according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing an inner structure of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a chamber 11 in which food can be stored is defined inside a refrigerator 10 according to embodiments of the present invention.

In detail, the chamber 11 may be the refrigeration compartment or may be the freezer compartment. Also, a plurality of shelves 14, on which food can be placed, may be provided vertically within the chamber 11. The shelves 14 are supported on support rails 15 provided on the sides of the chamber 11, and can move forward and rearward. Also, one or more cold air outlets 12 may be provided on the inner side surfaces of the chamber 11. Moreover, a withdrawable drawer 13 may be provided in the chamber 11 for storing vegetables or fruit.

Furthermore, a container storage portion 20 as illustrated may be provided on at least one of the shelves 14.

In detail, the container storage portion 20 may be installed to be adjustable in width at the bottom of the shelf 14. Width adjustment can be achieved according to the form or material of the shelf 14. The container storage portion 20 may be considered as an auxiliary storage member provided separately for storing cans or bottles.

A number of embodiments of a container storage portion and configurations and operating methods thereof will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Here, the scope of the container storage portion 20 shall not be construed as being limited by the embodiments provided, and the scope of the present invention shall include all means that are adjustable in width below a shelf.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a container storage portion in a state capable of storing a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a shelf 14 according to embodiments of the present invention includes a frame 141, and glass 142 enclosed by the frame 141. As shown, the rear edge of the frame 141 extends a predetermined length downward, and is pressed against the rear surface of the chamber 11. Also, the shelf 14, when pressed against the rear surface of the chamber 11, can be separated and adjusted in height. While the glass 142 is a transparent tempered glass material, it is not necessarily restricted to glass material. In other words, it may be formed of injection molded plastic. Because the glass 142 has been thus named, it is stressed once again that its material is not necessarily restricted to glass.

The container storage portion 20 is mounted on the undersurface of the shelf 14.

Specifically, the container storage portion 20 is provided on the undersurface of the shelf 14 to be adjustable in width. Also, a means is provided to enable the width adjustment of the container storage portion 20.

In further detail, in order to enable width adjustment of the container storage portion 20, a guide hole 143 extends a predetermined length along the front of the shelf 14 (or more particularly, the frame 141). Also, a lever 25 is connected to the front side end of the container storage portion 20, and the lever 25 is inserted in the guide hole 143. A plurality of stopping slots 144 is defined in the floor or the upper surface of the guide hole 142 to enable the lever 25 to be fixed when moved a set distance. Also, while not shown, a projection is formed at the bottom or top end of the lever 25 to insert it into the stopping slot 144. A possible configuration of the projection is a bearing, and a spring capable of pushing the bearing. Specifically, in the process in which the lever 25 moves along the guide hole 143, in a state where the bearing is held in the lever 25, when it is positioned at the stopping slot 144, it is projected by means of bias from the spring and inserted in the stopping slot 144. Here, while a stopping slot 144 and a projection using a bearing has been provided as a means for fixing the lever 25 when moved a set distance, the projection is not limited thereto, and various other stoppers for fixing the lever 25 at a certain position may be used.

The lever 25 is connected to a front end at a side surface of the container storage portion 22, and the width of the container storage portion 20 is made variable according to the movement of the lever 25.

Also, the container storage portion 20 may have a plurality of plates 21 pivotably connected to have a smaller width than the shelf 14 and the same depth from front to back as the shelf 14. In other words, joint portions 22 are formed at the connecting portions of the plurality of plates 21, and the side surfaces of the respective plates 21 are connected to pivot about the joint portions 22.

In detail, the other end of the container storage portion 20 may be fixed to the side edge of the shelf 14. In other words, one end of the container storage portion 20 may be a moving end 23, and the other end may be a fixed end 24. Further, the guide hole 143 extends to the maximum movable point of the moving end 23. In other words, the guide hole 143 may extend up to the point at which the width of the container storage portion 20 is the minimum. Each of the plates 21 may be injection molded plastic having a predetermined strength.

The above-configured container storage portion 20 presents the advantage of being able to secure extra space for use between two shelves for storing containers such as water bottles or wine bottles, when there is no space available on shelves, in door baskets provided on the rear of the refrigerator door, or inside a home bar.

To achieve the above object, a user moves the lever 25 along the guide hole 143. Then, the container storage portion 20 is bent and separated from the undersurface of the shelf 14 to define a storage space. Thus, the user can store water bottles, wine bottles, cans, and other containers in the container storage portion 20.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, a container storage portion 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment except for the structure of the shelf 14. Therefore, description of like structures will not be given.

Also, the container storage portion 30 according to the second embodiment is characterized in that it is formed of a mesh.

Specifically, the container storage portion 30, as in the first embodiment, has either end forming a moving end 32 and a fixed end 33, with a lever 34 connected to the front of the moving end 32. However, a mesh 31 (instead of the plate member of the first embodiment) supports containers. In all other aspects, the operating method of the container storage portion 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so that a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the operating method of a container storage portion and a shelf 14 on which the container storage portion is provided according to the third embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and therefore, description thereof will not be provided.

Specifically, a container storage portion 40 according to the third embodiment is characterized by being formed of a flexible plate 41, as shown. The flexible plate 41 has a predetermined flexible strength, so that when the lever 44 is moved to narrow the width of the container storage portion 40, it does not break. Also, when the lever 44 is restored to its original position, the flexible plate 41 is also restored to a flat rectangular plate shape. Further, a moving end 42 and a fixed end 43 formed on either side end of the flexible plate 41 are the same as in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a shelf with a lever structure for a container storage portion according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the present embodiment is characterized in that the lever assembly is provided below the shelf 14.

In detail, a lever 45 provided in the present embodiment extends the same at the moving end of the container storage portion 40 in a front to rear direction of the flexible plate 41. Also, the guide hole 143 and the stopper slot 144 are formed at the inner surface of the frame 141. Likewise, the lever 45 is formed elongated from front to rear, and a user grasps the center of the lever 45 to adjust the width of the container storage portion 40, in order to prevent the moving end of the container storage portion 40 from moving diagonally. Especially in a case where the flexible plate 41 has a predetermined amount of flexible strength (or restoring force), because force can be exerted in a biased direction, it is advantageous to employ the lever 45 structure of the present embodiment. It goes without saying, however, that the lever 45 may be applied to the container storage portions according to the first to third embodiments. In other aspects, like structures and operations as those in the first to third embodiments will not be described.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a shelf provided with a container storage portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, a container storage portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has both side ends applied as moving ends and fixed ends.

While the structure of the container storage portion 40 according to the third embodiment has been described as an example, the structure according to the fourth embodiment for the container storage portion 40 may be applied to the first and second embodiments as well.

In detail, the guide hole 143 in the front surface of the frame 141 of the shelf 14 is formed elongated from one side end of the frame to the other side end, and a plurality of stopper slots 144 is arranged at predetermined intervals. Also, a lever 44 is provided on the front surfaces at either side end, respectively, of the container storage portion 40, and the lever 44 is inserted in the guide hole 143.

In further detail, the left end lever or the right end lever is moved according to the disposed position of the container storage portion 40, and the end portion opposite thereto is fixed on the undersurface of the shelf 14. For example, if food or a container loaded on a shelf provided below the shelf 14 is stored biased toward the space at the right, the lever provided on the right side end portion of the container storage portion 40 is moved left (in the solid arrow direction). Thus, a storage space for the container storage portion 40 is formed at the left of the shelf 14.

While the lever 44 structure has been described in embodiments as being provided at the front of the shelf 14, the lever structure shown in FIG. 6 may be applied, and is included in the scope of rights of the present invention. 

1. A refrigerator, comprising: a body including a cooling compartment; a shelf attached to the body within the cooling compartment, the shelf including: a planar surface to support one or more items, and a frame to support the planar surface, the frame including a guide slot; and a storage member having a main body configured to support one or more items, the storage member including a first supporter and a second supporter, wherein the first supporter is slidable along the guide slot toward and away from the second supporter.
 2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first supporter protrudes through the guide slot.
 3. The refrigerator of claim 2, further comprising a lever connected to the portion of the first supporter, the lever locating the first supporter at predetermined locations along the guide slot.
 4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first supporter comprises a lever located at an intermediate portion thereof.
 5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the main body of the storage member comprises a plurality of plates and a joint portion to connect an adjacent pair of the plurality of plates.
 6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the main body of the storage member is a mesh.
 7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the main body of the storage member is a single flexible plate.
 8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a portion of the second supporter also protrudes through the guide slot of the frame, and the second supporter is slidable along the guide slot toward and away from the first supporter.
 9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the planar surface is tempered glass or injection molded plastic.
 10. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the guide slot includes stopping slots located at predetermined locations.
 11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the first supporter includes a lever with a biasing member to set the lever in the stopping slots.
 12. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the guide slot extends from a first supporter to a second supporter of the frame.
 13. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the cooling compartment is a refrigeration compartment.
 14. A refrigerator, comprising: a body including a cooling compartment; a planar shelf located in the cooling compartment to support an item; a frame to support the planar shelf; and a storage member attached to the frame, the storage member having a main body with a first supporter and a second supporter, the main body extending below the planar shelf to support an item between the planar shelf and the main body through an opening formed perpendicular to the planar shelf, wherein a guide slot extends in the frame to allow the first supporter to slide along the guide slot toward and away from the second supporter to adjust the main body.
 15. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the first supporter is supported by, and extends through, the guide slot.
 16. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the main body of the storage member comprises a plurality of plates and a joint portion to connect an adjacent pair of the plurality of plates.
 17. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the main body of the storage member is a mesh.
 18. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the main body of the storage member is a single flexible plate.
 19. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the planar shelf is tempered glass or injection molded plastic.
 20. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the cooling compartment is a refrigeration compartment. 